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Arts&Entertainment

Center stage

Upcoming shows in December

‘Cirque Dreams Illuminations’ presented by The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
Through Dec. 6www.civiccenter.org
Audiences of all ages will experience a journey of city dwellers who reinvent everyday objects, balance beyond belief, delicately dangle from wires, leap tall buildings and redefine the risks of flight in an array of astounding occurrences that transform the ordinary into extraordinary. Tickets are $17.50 - $55, available at the Civic Center Box Office, 246-2300 or through Ticketmaster.

‘Sister’s Christmas Catechism’ presented by The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, in the Civic Center’s Temple Theater
Through Dec. 13 $32.50 - $36.50
From the author of “Late Nite Catechism” and ”Late Nite Catechism 2,” this holiday extravaganza follows Sister through the mystery that has intrigued historians throughout the ages — whatever happened to the Magi’s gold? Tickets are $32.50 - $36.50, available at the Civic Center Box Office, 246-2300 or through Ticketmaster.

‘Oleanna’ presented by the Drake University Theatre Department
Through Dec. 6www.drake.edu/artsci/theatre
Written by David Mamet, “Oleanna” is a story of a power struggle between a university professor and a female student who accuses him of sexual harassment. Admission is $1 - $5, available at the Drake Fine Arts Box Office and may be reserved in person or by calling 271-3841.

‘Fruitcakes’ presented by Actors, Inc
Dec. 4-6, 11-13www.actorsinc.org
Mix together a batch of fruitcakes, dozens of Christmas trees, a chickenpox epidemic, two southern spinsters, an estranged old man, a runaway boy and a Christmas hog, and you’ve got the recipe for a fun holiday show. Admission is $15, available at the door, 120 Abraham Drive, or at Gallery 319, 310 Main St., Ames.

‘Twelfth Night’ presented by the Iowa State University Theatre Department
Dec. 4-6, 11-13www.theatre.iastate.edu
One of Shakespeare’s best beloved romantic comedies, “Twelfth Night,” follows Viola, who disguises herself as a young man and enters the service of a Duke. Admission is $8 - $15, available at the Stephens Box Office or through Ticketmaster.

‘A Christmas Carol’ presented by the Repertory Theater of Iowa at the Des Moines Social Club
Dec. 11-20 www.rtiowa.com
This wonderful adaptation is sure to create a holiday tradition for Des Moines theater audiences. You may have seen other productions, but you haven’t seen Repertory Theater of Iowa’s “A Christmas Carol.” Admission is $15 - $20, available through www.iowatix.com or by calling (515) 277-3727.

“The Nutcracker” features nearly 300 local dancers and guest performances by five professional dancers. Admission is $19 - $67, available at the Hoyt Sherman Box Office or through Ticketmaster.

‘Tent City’ presented by The Comedy Co-Operative at the Civic Center’s Stoner Theater
Dec. 11-12, 18-19www.comedyco-op.com
“Tent City” is a three-act musical comedy dealing with a city’s concern about a growing homeless encampment located near a bike trail. Admission is $12.50, available at the Civic Center Box Office, 246-2300 or Ticketmaster.

‘The Nutcracker’ presented by the Iowa Dance Theatre at The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
Dec. 12-13www.iowadancetheatre.com
The Iowa Dance Theatre celebrates its 27th Season with the story of a girl, her nutcracker and the special dream they share. Admission is $17.50 - $37.50, available at the Civic Center Box Office, 246-2300. CV